Body, mind and spirit: Towards the integration of religiosity and spirituality in cancer quality of life research

The importance of religion and spirituality to the American public has been highlighted by recent opinion polls, media attention and empirical studies . Psychosocial researchers are incorporating these variables into studies o f emotional and physical illness. A number of studies have found that, for cancer patients, religious, spiritual and quality of life concerns are para mount. This paper reviews the literature relating religion and spirituality to physical and emotional health and quality of life. Definitions and meas urement issues related to religiosity/spirituality and quality of life are discussed. The paper provides a rationale and methodological suggestions fo r future studies assessing religious and spiritual beliefs of cancer patien ts in relation to quality of life. The authors conclude that regular inclus ion of religiosity and spirituality measures in quality of life studies is needed in order to understand the integration of mind, body and spirit in c ancer care. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.